Police cite spike in vehicle‑noise enforcement; city pursuing state authorization for noise cameras

Assistant Chief Daniel Morgalo reported to the committee that the Miami Beach Police Department has increased enforcement of vehicle noise violations and related offenses.

"To date, for 2025, we've written a total of 539 citations for exhaust systems, motor vehicle noise, loud noise, horns, and warning devices," Morgalo said, and noted the figure exceeds 2024's total of 423. He said targeted enforcement in the resolution‑mandated areas — South of Fifth/Area 1, the Collins corridor/Area 2 and Area 3 — produced 146 citations during the focused evening enforcement window (9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.). Morgalo provided the area breakdown and offense types during his update.

Committee members asked about technology. Staff and commissioners said Florida currently restricts automated noise‑camera enforcement for this purpose. One commissioner said she had asked the city's Tallahassee lobbyist to add authority to use noise cameras to the legislative agenda. Morgalo and other staff said they are coordinating with lobbyists and legislators to seek enabling language that would allow camera‑based enforcement in future sessions.

The committee did not take formal legislative direction beyond support for continuing enforcement and pursuing state authorization for automated noise monitoring; staff said they will continue targeted patrols and report results to the committee.